Like peak bagging? Here’s a challenge for you!

The “Wasatch 7” Peaks are the seven major peaks that line the Salt Lake Valley. They are all challenging peaks that require a full day of hiking, have a lot of elevation gain and route finding therefore, they are not for the beginner hiker. Because the Wasatch 7 Peaks are all over 10,000 ft, they are typically only accessible in summer months, when the dirt roads are open, and the trails are free of snow – this only leaves a few months to summit all 7 peaks. Make it your goal to complete all 7 in 7 weeks! These 7 peaks will leave you yelling “Life Elevated!”

Provo Peak

Provo Peak (11,068 ft) is one of the higher peaks in the Wasatch and also one of the shortest but steepest in the area. The trail to the summit is only 1.5 miles but gains 2,700 ft! The views from the summit are amazing, as you get 360-degree views of Utah County, and on a clear day into SLC County and major peaks north. It’s rare that such a massive peak gets less attention than its popular neighbor hikes like Squaw Peak and The Y Trail, but it’s the case here. While there is a well-defined trail to the summit, Provo Peak sees way less traffic compared to neighboring trails/summits.

Santaquin Peak

Santaquin Peak & Loafer Mountain are the peaks above Santaquin, Utah and are in between Mt. Nebo (the tallest peak in the Wasatch) and Spanish Fork Peak. Though the trail leads to Santaquin Peak, Loafer mountain is 2 ft taller, yet not many people go off trail to summit it. Santaquin Peak offers better views compared to Loafer Mountain, as you have 360-degree views of Utah Lake, Mt.Timpanogos and Provo Peak to the North, Mt. Nebo to the southwest, and on a clear day, you can even see Deseret Peak to the West. The first half of the trail is mostly forested, and the second half if fully exposed to sun and wind. Santaquin Peak has just under 3,000 ft of prominence.

Spanish Fork Peak

Spanish Fork Peak (10,192 ft) stands out by itself, as you make your way towards Price, UT, it sits in between two other big peaks (Provo Peak to the North, and Santaquin Peak to the south). With almost 3,000ft of prominence, Spanish Fork Peak ranks #41 on the Utah Prominence Peak list and is higher than any peak in Weber and Davis counties. This trail is not for the beginner hiker – it climbs 4,600 ft in just 5 miles. Steep is the name of the game, but your hard work will pay off with grand views of surrounding mountains and an alpine lake.

Cascade Mountain

Cascade Mountain (10,908 ft) is the large mountain located directly above Orem, Utah. Not many people hike to the summit, as it requires a full day and all routes are difficult. However, for Peak Baggers it’s a must. The ridge is long and exposed – if you are afraid of heights you won’t like this hike. Steep drop-offs and loose rock are common, and you’ll need to be mentally prepared to complete this summit as it easily wears you down. There are several routes to reach the summit: Upper Pole Couloir, Dry Fork Trail #060, or Big Springs Park.

Mt. Nebo

Mt. Nebo (11,929 ft) is the highest peak in the Wasatch Mountains. and Utah County. Mt. Nebo actually has two summits, the north, and south, with the North being the higher of the two. This is a popular hike, so the trail is well maintained and easy to follow. Around 9,000 ft a bench trail runs level North to South, as it reaches Wolf Pass. From there, the trail steadily climbs to a false summit, before reaching the ridge that leads to the true summit. This is a strenuous, yet very rewarding hike, as you can see for several miles around.

Lone Peak

Lone Peak (11,251 ft) is one of the tallest peaks along the Wasatch Front and hovers over Draper, Utah. You can’t miss this peak – it is clearly visible from both Salt Lake & Utah Counties. On a clear day, you can see this magnificent summit from 100 miles away. Hiking Lone Peak is almost a rite of passage for many hikers and especially Peak Baggers. All routes are long and hard – most people complete this hike anywhere from 6-10 hours round-trip. The Lone Peak Cirque is one of the most picturesque areas in the Wasatch Range. This area is also popular among climbers, as they make their way up the towers.

Mt. Timpanogos

Mt. Timpanogos (11, 752 ft) is one of the higher peaks in the Wasatch Front, coming in 2nd behind Mt. Nebo. Hiking Mt. Timpanogos is almost a rite of passage for many Utahans – once completed, many will openly offer up their experience, advice, and how many times they’ve summited. One of the current popular things to do in 2018 is to make multiple summits in the shortest amount of time. Currently, the record is 7 summits in one push (that’s 98 miles!) There are two routes to summit Mt. Timpanogos: via Aspen Grove Trail or the Timpooneke Trail. Both routes are good and offer different views. Whichever way you decide on, you are likely to see many mountain goats on your hike up.